Tennis Hall of Fame investigates claim

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport has hired an attorney to investigate allegations that former doubles champion Bob Hewitt sexually abused girls he coached, an inquiry that could result in his expulsion or suspension from the Hall.

The Hall of Fame’s chief executive officer, Mark Stenning, said Tuesday a lawyer with the Boston firm Hinckley Allen Snyder is interviewing people who say they were abused by Hewitt, who played in the 1960s and 1970s and was inducted into the Hall in 1992.

The lawyer, Michael Connolly, will prepare a report for the Hall’s 24-member executive committee to help determine whether the Hall should seek to expel or suspend Hewitt or take no action, Stenning said.

No one has been expelled or suspended from the Hall, about 30 miles south of the state capital, Providence. Stenning said the Hall’s bylaws were changed in April to allow for it.

Hewitt, 72, won several Grand Slam events during his decades-long career.